With Gov. Greg Abbott's order banning local governments from imposing mask mandates on businesses taking effect Friday, Austin and Travis County health officials on Wednesday said they were conferring with lawyers about whether even loosened local mask rules can remain. Dr. Mark Escott, whose tenure as Austin-Travis County health authority ends on Memorial Day, relaxed mask rules Tuesday to give business owners the option to let fully vaccinated people unmask indoors if fewer than 500 customers are inside. The change also was good news for outdoor music venues, farmers markets and other outdoor establishments, whose owners also can let fully vaccinated people unmask if fewer than 2,500 are gathered. Special permits can be granted to allow for more unmasking in crowds of 2,500 and larger, according to Escott.